A 32-year-old resident of The Villages was arrested Wednesday after he reportedly showed up at his workplace on his day off and battered a co-worker over a group text dispute.
Benjamin Oscar Perez, who lives on Purslane Place in the. Bougainvillea Villas in the Village of Fenney area, turned himself in to the Wildwood Police Department and is facing a misdemeanor charge of battery.
According to the arrest report, the incident unfolded Wednesday morning at the 7-Eleven located at Magnolia Plaza. Police were called to the scene at 10:14 a.m. after receiving reports of a battery.
Witnesses told officers that Perez, who was off duty, arrived at the gas station upset over a text message the victim had sent in a workplace group chat. The victim had reportedly called Perez out for leaving garbage behind during his shift. The text exchange quickly devolved into the two men calling each other derogatory names, culminating with the victim texting Perez: “You can meet me after work, and we’ll find out just how much of a [expletive] I am.”
Instead of waiting, Perez entered the store at 10:06 a.m., briefly spoke with another manager, and then marched into the back cooler where the victim was actively working. Perez immediately began punching his co-worker in the face and head with a closed fist.
The victim told police he did not strike back, but rather put his hands over his face to shield himself from the barrage of blows. Multiple bystanders had to physically intervene to pull Perez off the victim.
Officers noted that the victim suffered multiple bruises, a prominent lump on the left side of his face, dried blood inside his left ear, a reddened nose, and scratch marks on his neck. He declined medical treatment from the fire department at the scene and signed an intent to prosecute form.
While officers were still investigating at the gas station, Perez drove to the Wildwood Police Department to surrender. After being read his Miranda rights, Perez admitted to walking up to the victim and repeatedly punching him until bystanders separated them.
Perez was booked into the Sumter County Detention Center. He was released after posting $1,000 bond.